Week 10: Five players to watch

Standouts from North, East, South and City.

Storyline: Against Bishop’s tonight, Paolucci won’t be wreaking havoc in the trenches like he normally does. Instead, he’ll make his season debut at middle linebacker, starting in place of injured teammate Jack Desany, who leads La Jolla Country Day in tackles with 84.

Key stat: 9½. That’s the number of sacks Paolucci has thus far as an undersized defensive end for La Jolla Country Day. Paolucci, however, is far from a one-trick pony. In addition to haunting offensive linemen and quarterbacks, the senior chases down ball carriers and adds takeaways, registering 80 tackles — 17.5 for losses — three forced fumbles and one interception.

Quotable: “One thing is apparent when you watch him on the field and watch him on film: Vincent’s motor never stops. He goes sideline to sideline and doesn’t take plays off,” said Torreys coach Jeff Hutzler. “He isn’t always the biggest or fastest guy on the field, but he plays his heart out every time he steps out there. Vincent is versatile, too, which is why we’re able to move him to the linebacker position. He’s played there in past seasons, and he is quick and has good instincts, so we think he will step right in and do well.”

JAQUILLE BRADFORD

Hoover

Junior

DL | 5-11, 230

Eight games into the season, Bradford has 20 sacks, 94 tackles — 31 for losses — 12 hurries and two safeties as a defensive tackle. Lincoln’s offensive line is fragile and young, so expect more monster numbers from Bradford tonight.

IMAN CHATMAN-DIXON

Mater Dei Catholic

Senior

WR-DB | 6-2, 190

Chatman-Dixon made acrobatic touchdown catches of 95 and 24 yards in last week’s loss to Sweetwater. The Montgomery defensive secondary will try to keep track of him tonight as Mater Dei Catholic attempts to climb back into the Metro Pacific League race.

THAI COTTRELL

Oceanside

Senior

WR-RB-DB | 5-7, 165

Cottrell doesn’t need much daylight to turn what would be a small gain into a 20-yarder or even a long TD. He does it using video-game-like jukes and quickness. Perhaps the most dangerous player in space, the San Jose State commit will haunt LCC if the Mavericks don’t spotlight him.